On December 8, 1983, a Mcdonnell Douglas DC-10-10 (registration N103AA) was involved in an aviation accident near Newark, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Incomplete inspection intervals exceeding manufacturer recommendations, leading to structural failure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A complete truck beam failure occurred after touchdown, with metallurgical analysis revealing a crack near the right rear pivot pin and evidence of corrosion.
What happened
The aircraft experienced a complete truck beam failure following touchdown. The incident was investigated to determine the mechanical cause of the structural failure.
The investigation
A metallurgical examination of the failed component revealed a crack located near the right rear truck pivot pin lubrication hole. Analysis showed that this crack had propagated to the lower end of the grease hole on the mating surface. Additionally, the walls of the grease hole exhibited signs of pitting and corrosion.
Findings
The investigation determined that the time intervals for service bulletin inspections had exceeded those recommended by the manufacturer.
Probable cause
Incomplete inspection intervals exceeding manufacturer recommendations, leading to structural failure.
